Portugal star in limbo as Court of Arbitration for Sport reject plea to allow deadline-day move that went through 14 secs late

By Graeme Bryce

16th November 2017,6:20 am

Updated: 2nd January 2018,7:39 am

ADRIEN SILVA has failed with an attempt to gatecrash Claude Puel’s Leicester City squad to face Manchester City tomorrow.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport yesterday rejected the £22million midfielder’s urgent plea to be recognised as a ‘provisional,’ signing while he waits for his permanent transfer to the King Power to be rubber-stamped in January.

Adrien Silva is likely to have to wait until January to play for Leicester

Silva had hoped he could persuade football’s Supreme Court to over-rule Fifa’s stubborn refusal to grant him an International Transfer Certificate – at least until his personal appeal is heard – paving the way for a possible shock place on the bench against Premier League pacesetters Manchester City.

However CAS threw out the 28-year-old’s request for emergency measures to be applied, stating: “Although the Player’s initial request for interim relief has been rejected, the proceedings will continue and a final decision on the merits will be issued after a hearing, which is yet to be fixed.”

As that is unlikely to take place before January, Silva remains in limbo more than three months after scoring for Sporting Lisbon against Vitoria Guimaraes in his last game way back on August 19.

Since then Silva’s hopes of making Portugal’s world cup squad have taken a huge hit – all because the paperwork confirming his £22million transfer arrived 14 seconds after Fifa’s extended deadline expired.

Midfielder Adrien Silva has had to watch from the stands in the Prem so far

FIFA has already rejected an FA appeal on behalf of Leicester, who argued they had sent the necessary documents on time, only to be thwarted when the FA’s computer failed to upload the details immediately.

It all means Silva still cannot train with the Foxes, although he can talk with them.

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Then-Leicester chief Craig Shakespeare said at the time of the failed transfer: “I’ve spoken to him. I feel for the lad.

“He’s not only so keen to come, but the deal was also agreed between the clubs, it is just the finalisation.

“It is World Cup year for the player and he is in limbo. He is a strong character and I am sure he’ll be fine.”

Leicester have insisted they have clear evidence they submitted their paperwork BEFORE the summer transfer window closed even though it arrived at the FA 14 seconds AFTER the deadline.

And silva’s dad Manuel has blasted the “strange” and “stupid” – saying Fifa are more interested in making money than helping players.

He told Portuguese radio station Radio Renascenca “I’ve already spoken to Adrien and he feels like someone who wants to play and is prevented from playing for 14 seconds.

“Fifa is a Swiss and a cold body. Fifa are more concerned with profits than with players. In this case they are not worried about the players’ situation.

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“If it was for a delay of five minutes, we would even admit that we had been wrong.

“Now, for 14 seconds, when we know how computers work.. its impressive.

“But I also understand their position. If they accepted, there are many cases that have already happened and they would be criticised.